In many cases, a person’s diet can significantly influence their orthodontic treatment plans in later life. However, being aware of this can help dentists and orthodontists to guide parents on how to support their children’s overall oral health and structure.

How Does Early Diet Influence Orthodontics?

Many people overlook the fact that there may be a potential link between orthodontic treatment plans and early diet. Indeed, with such a long period of time between a child’s early diet and when they may need treatment, it’s easy not to think about this – but a growing number of orthodontists are noticing a trend between early diet and ortho treatment plans.

One of the problems that some children may have experienced with eating soft foods as a young child is that their diet doesn’t encourage the necessary jaw movements. As such, keeping this in mind can potentially influence whether a child needs orthodontics support for jaw movements and the like in later life.

However, this will always be the parent’s decision – so, letting them know about this from an early age can potentially allow them to make a choice based on their preferences.

Collaborating with an ENT

Have you ever thought about collaborating with an ENT (ear, nose, and throat technician) as part of your orthodontics work? In many scenarios, it’s easy to assume that collaborations will be limited to just other ortho professionals and the like, but this isn’t always the case, and sometimes you’ll need help from a wider pool of people.
Collaborating with an ENT
Collaborating with an ENT can be incredibly valuable for many patients and their treatment plans. However, it’s important to recognize that some ENTs may not be entirely open to orthodontics professionals, so you may need to find the right individual to help.
To begin the collaboration, it’s important to introduce yourself and explain how your field can overlap with the ENT’s specialty. Asking them in advance if they would be interested in a collaboration for referrals can really help – and keep in mind that you may need to contact quite a few before you get a positive response.
When you are working with the ENT, make sure you gather as much information as possible to make things easier for them. In addition, if you have any questions regarding airways (etc.), always get the specialist’s approval first before providing the orthodontics procedure. Remember, some patients may not be able to go through a particular treatment plan if it’s likely to impact their airways and so on.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been thinking of collaborating with an ENT, it’s highly important to make sure you start out with professional support. Luckily, our experts here at Straight Smile Solutions can help if you have any questions for your dental treatment plan, and if we think support from an ENT might help, we’ll be able to let you know.

Should GPs Treat Clefting Patients?

Have you ever wondered whether orthodontics professionals and GPs should provide treatment plans for clefting patients? In many cases, cleft palates can seem like they’ll be outside of the scope of a general dentist’s orthodontics services. But how does this work? Should you attempt a cleft lip or cleft palate case? We’ve outlined the main things you need to know to help with this decision.
Should GPs Treat Clefting Patients?
If you’re a general dentist providing orthodontics services, you’ll likely want to avoid clefting patients in many cases. As a result, if you get a patient who has either a cleft palate or a cleft lip, it may be best to refer them to a specialist orthodontist for appropriate treatment. Failing this, you may want to refer the patient to a craniofacial team locally.
Of course, it’s worth noting here that the majority of cleft palate or cleft lip patients will have received surgery at a young age to resolve these symptoms. As a result, you may not see obvious signs, but there may be an abnormal ridge at the top of the mouth or missing teeth where the cleft was originally.
It’s worth noting that lip-only cases are generally less problematic than a full cleft palate, although these can still be much trickier to address – potentially being tighter or more likely to be a Class III case.
Get Professional Support
If you have trouble working out whether you should attempt a case or not, getting professional support can really help. So, don’t chance it; contact our experts for additional guidance in your own cases today.

Have you ever wondered why you might want to use space maintainers for mixed dentition cases? There are several possible reasons to use these in your ortho cases, but it’s important to make sure that you’re still giving the patient the proper treatment plan – and these tools may not always be helpful.

What is a Space Maintainer?

First of all, we need to consider what a space maintainer is. Well, it’s really as simple as it sounds: a tool that’s used to help maintain the space between teeth. There are several options available here for orthodontics cases, such as lingual arches, nances, removables, and TPAs.

When to Use Space Maintainers

You might want to use space maintainers for numerous reasons, but the most common reason to use one is simply in cases where a patient has lost a tooth. In these scenarios, if a tooth is missing, using a space maintainer may help. In addition, patients with a very slight Class II or Class III where there has been marginal slippage may benefit from a space maintainer, depending on the scenario. If you have any questions about this, don’t hesitate to contact our experts here at Straight Smile Solutions for further support regarding when to – and when not to – use space maintainers.

It’s important to recognize that the transverse must always be correct at the outset before using space maintainers as part of a treatment plan. So, if there’s any crowding or the jaw is narrow, you probably won’t want to use space maintainers as part of the treatment plan.

We all want to limit the discomfort our patients experience during their orthodontics cases — and this is especially important when dealing with palatal expansion. Fortunately, our experts are on hand today to help with this, so you know how much pain your patient is likely to experience (and whether or not their discomfort is normal).
How Much Discomfort is Normal?
Every patient’s response to palatal expansion may differ. As such, after fitting an expander – and this also applies to many other braces cases – try to call the patient to see how they’re getting on. After all, the next day especially can be a little rough.
Before doing any ortho case, you should always take precautions to try and limit the patient’s discomfort. Notably, an ortho expander case should not be incredibly painful. It may be very uncomfortable and strange for the patient, and you should explain this before the patient has their expander fitted.
However, the exception may be for fixed expanders, especially while eating, as the patient will likely knock the expander while chewing – which, in turn, can place pressure on the gums. Soft foods can help minimize the level of pain.
Of course, if the patient is experiencing extreme pain, it may also be worth looking at other potential problems. For example, you should always check before fitting an appliance that there are no cavities and the like that could be worsened by installing an expander.
When the Expander Doesn’t Fit
If you find that the expander doesn’t fit well, there’s a much greater chance that the patient may begin to experience pain (especially if the expander is knocking directly against the teeth or is too tight against the gums.
Inconsistent Use in the Treatment Plan
Another potential cause of pain or discomfort is inconsistency in the treatment plan. This is especially common for patients with removables who choose not to wear them for 24 hours per day, then try to shove the expander in without adjusting to it. Trying to do it too quickly can also be painful, as can cases where the patient experiences issues with their teeth (such as the molars being pushed through the buccal plate).
Get Professional Guidance for your Cases
If you find that your patients seem to be experiencing excessive discomfort with their palatal expansion, you may need to take a steadier approach. Fortunately, our team will be on hand if you need further guidance with your cases. Don’t hesitate to get in touch for your first dentist consultation!

Using Black Light for Removing Flash at Braces and Invisalign Attachments

Have you ever wondered about the potential opportunities to help make your Invisalign and braces cases easier? Finding effective strategies to streamline the process can be incredibly effective, and luckily, there’s an incredibly easy hack you can use to help with removing flash for braces debonding or Invisalign attachments.
Making it Easier to Remove Flash at Braces and Invisalign Attachments
Removing flash at braces and Invisalign attachments can often be awkward, but black lights can help. Indeed, in a completely dark environment, a black light can highlight flash and help you remove it – especially for cases where you’re doing lots of revisions and refinements.
Using a black light makes it easy to highlight the flash with a black light, allowing you to ensure you’ve gotten it all off. This may also apply to braces cases when you need to clean up any excess cement, especially if your patient is complaining that they can still feel something on their teeth once you think you’ve finished the case.
Final Thoughts
Let’s face it – finding the most effective solutions for your Invisalign and braces cases can be hard. Luckily, a black light can be an incredibly easy way to tackle this, and better still, it’s exceptionally cost-effective to purchase online in many cases. However, you’ll need to have somewhere that’s completely dark to make it work easily.

When can you Phase Down your Essix or Vivera Retainers to Nights Only?

● Recommended pre-requisite: Watch Dr. Amanda’s retention videos or read her blogs on her Straight Smile Solutions website for foundational knowledge.
● Retainer policy: A comprehensive retainer policy should be established, including a warranty and clear information on what is included in the retainers.
● Retainer options: Patients recommend one set of retainers, but additional sets are strongly recommended, especially for clear Essex or Vivera retainers.
● Labs and equipment: For in-house retainers, proper equipment like Biostar, mini star, or durable mat should be used. Otherwise, reliable ortho labs can provide sets of retainers.
● When to switch: The decision to switch from full-time to night wear depends on each patient. Bite stability is crucial, with solid posterior contacts on all teeth.
● Checking bite stability: Patients can use articulating paper to check for solid posterior contacts. Refinement, step-down bends, re-bracketing, settling elastics, or bonded retainers may be needed if contacts are not achieved.
● Full-time wear: Patients are advised to wear retainers full-time for three months, ensuring the bite is stable.
● Upgrading sets: Patients will likely need additional sets of retainers as the first set may warp or stretch out. Vivera instructions suggest wearing the first set full time for three months, then switching to night wear with the second set.
● Retainer warranty and policy: The importance of having a retainer warranty and policy in place is emphasized, including the requirement for additional sets of retainers for optimal outcomes.
● Retainer fit documentation: It is recommended to take photos of the patient wearing the retainers to show they fit properly, which can help address any issues or disputes in the future.
● Importance of regular switching and wear: Properly fitting retainers, when switched out regularly and worn as directed, help maintain straight teeth.

Black Triangles Aren’t Always Bad!

Let’s face it – black triangles aren’t always a major issue, but many people assume that they’ll always need an orthodontics treatment plan. With this thought in mind, we’re looking at some of the key things you need to know about why some black triangles are good in an orthodontics case.
Not All Black Triangles are Bad
Black triangles are often considered to be problematic, but this isn’t necessarily the case. Indeed, black triangles can be problematic in some cases, but fixing them isn’t necessarily a good option. Remember: IPR especially involves a lot of direct invasive treatments and requires you to remove healthy tooth matter, so it’s not necessarily a good option to do it just to resolve black triangles.
It’s also worth noting that you can only do IPR or close the gap if you have the suitable clearance to do so. In some cases, trying to fix black triangles when doing so risks bringing things too close together could leave you in a difficult situation where the top and bottom teeth end up touching – a real source of frustration for many people.
In short: if you do massive IPR to fix black triangles that don’t need it, you’ll also have a lot of revisions and refinements to do to finalize the case. And, of course, you also predispose the patient to sensitivities or cavities more so than in regular teeth.
Don’t Close Black Triangles Without Developing a Full Treatment Plan First
Black triangles aren’t always a problem. As such, you should never close or do IPR on black triangles if they are healthy in their own right. Always make sure you’ve looked closely at the case in detail to help you determine whether the black triangles will need to be fixed after all.

2023 Clear Aligner, Invisalign, ClearCorrect Delivery Instructions
Welcome to the future of orthodontic treatment! In 2023, the field of clear aligners has witnessed remarkable advancements, revolutionizing how we achieve a straighter smile. Brands like Invisalign and ClearCorrect have introduced groundbreaking delivery instructions that enhance the patient experience. These innovative instructions ensure a seamless journey for individuals seeking orthodontic correction. Patients can optimize their treatment progress by providing clear, concise guidelines for wearing and maintaining aligners while enjoying the benefits of discreet, removable orthodontic solutions.

My name is Dr. Amanda from www.straightsmilesolutions.com. As an experienced orthodontist, I share my clinical experience and opinions to provide better, more predictable patient outcomes using clear aligners. This article serves as an updated clear aligner delivery instruction guide. While my views may differ slightly from aligner companies, it is based on my expertise.
Case Treatment Approach
All cases should be approached as unlimited or comprehensive, regardless of the patient’s preferences. Even if a patient requests limited movement or specific tooth adjustments, educating them about ideal treatment options and documenting their understanding is crucial. Referring patients to an orthodontist for further evaluation can help ensure proper treatment planning.
Taking Control of Treatment Planning
It is essential to take control of the treatment planning process and not solely rely on technicians’ recommendations. As a dentist, you must understand the goals and reasons behind each treatment plan and make informed decisions. Addressing crowding may involve various techniques, such as:
● Expansion
● Proclination
● Round-tripping
● IPR (interproximal reduction)
● Extractions
Work with an independent orthodontist during the initial stages to optimize treatment planning.
Instructions After Case Submission
If you are using clear aligners, it is recommended to use a scanner instead of traditional impressions for accuracy and convenience. Once the case returns from the aligner company, ensure you identify the attachment template or aligner zero. Additionally, check if there are any instructions for IPR and when it should be performed. Proper scheduling is crucial, especially if attachments and IPR are required during the first visit.
Initial Aligner Seating
Instead of immediately placing attachments and performing IPR, start by trying on an aligner one. Show the patient the aligner and check for imperfections, such as jagged edges. Teach them how to use chewies, which aid in aligner seating. The aligner should fit snugly against the teeth without gaps or air bubbles. If there are issues with seating, check for interferences or tissue blanching. Any compression on the gingiva or discomfort warrants a remake of the aligners.
Troubleshooting Aligner Fit
If the aligner does not fully seat due to minor issues and no tissue concerns, instruct the patient to go home and use chewies regularly. Ask them to return in a week or two to reassess the aligner fit without attaching the attachments or performing IPR. This allows the aligners to gradually seat properly. If the problem persists, contact the aligner company for a warranty fit and avoid compromising the patient’s comfort or causing soft tissue damage.
Conclusion
Dr. Amanda, an orthodontist, dental consultant, and dental advisor by profession, has established herself as an expert in the field after a successful decade of private practice in the bustling San Francisco Bay Area. Recognizing the distinctive requirements of dentists, dental specialists, and dental labs, she took the initiative to found StraightSmile Solutions, an orthodontic consulting company.

She provides valuable insights and recommendations for clear aligner treatment. Her extensive experience in the orthodontic industry and as an Invisalign provider brings credibility to her clinical opinions. Amanda emphasizes the importance of comprehensive treatment planning, avoiding limitations, and striving for perfect results. She highlights the significance of using scanners instead of traditional impressions and the proper timing of attachments and interproximal reduction. Following Amanda’s guidance, practitioners can achieve better outcomes and enhance patient experiences with clear aligners.

Addressing Tapered Teeth in ClinChecks

Have you ever wondered about how to address tapered teeth as part of your Invisalign ClinCheck? There are numerous potential options you could potentially consider, but if you’ve noticed an issue and it’s not a black triangle, the following tips may help inform your Invisalign treatment plan.
Addressing Odd-Shaped Teeth in ClinChecks
Teeth can come in all shapes and sizes. In many cases, odd-shaped teeth or tapered teeth may be addressed by swinging the roots distally, but this can also cause problems with the surrounding tooth roots as well.
So, what alternatives are there? Well, the easiest way to tackle this issue is simply to do some easy composites, such as a veneer, composite laminate, or a four-service composite. You can potentially also bundle that into the full price of your patient’s ortho quote.
You can also use the Invisalign export feature to help with this, which allows you to export the final STL. If the treatment plan doesn’t go ahead after this, though, you may still be billed, so it’s potentially worth getting a deposit arranged first.
Get Personalized Support for your Case
Let’s face It – every case is different. So, while we’ve outlined some of the general rules in today’s guide, if you need more specific guidance on interpreting your patient’s ClinCheck, please don’t hesitate to contact our team of orthodontic experts for further support.